"There was a car fire here two months ago." Neighbors like Brian Greenlee say they complain about the mall often. "Especially with this cold winter, we have witnessed them building many fires inside the building. Many of us have called the fire department countless times."

The Hayward Fire Department has responded to 38 911 calls to the building since 2005, five for fires. It's an ongoing situation the chief says and one that poses a clear threat.

"It's 35 town homes, 39 apartments and about 2500 square feet of commercial development," said Chuck Finnie, spokesman for the City of Hayward.

"This is probably the second or third time that they've claimed there's a plan for that property," said a skeptical Greenlee.

The fire might finally mark the end for the building. ABC7 News talked with a representative for the owner, DNS Capital Partners LLC who told us he's working with the city to expedite permits to demolish the building as soon as next week.